Ron Doucet, animation director at Collideascope Digital Productions. (Eric Wynne / Staff)

WHEN Ron Doucet graduated from community college and started looking for work in the graphic design or digital animation field seven years ago, it was tough slogging. There were only a couple of firms locally doing the specialized work and nabbing an entry-level position meant mundane work and only so-so pay.

Today, he's working as the animation director for Collideascope Digital Productions and he says the job prospects have never been better. He said everyone graduating from local schools is being scooped up and people from Vancouver and Toronto are being recruited to fill local vacancies, but the pay is still only so-so.

Individuals interested in digital animation, as opposed to programming, should have a strong art background and a love of cartoons and comic books that stretches back to their childhood.

"If you don't love Bugs Bunny, you shouldn't be looking at a career in digital animation," he says, laughing.

"You have to love your job because there will be lots of long hours. You have to be self-motivated and be prepared to meet deadlines, which is ironic because most artists aren't wired that way."

For more about the craft and related opportunities read on.

Nature of the Work:
Computer programmers use computer language or code to write and update software applications. These applications are widely used in business, government, scientific and educational institutions to process and analyze data, update operating systems and other functions. Some programmers specialize in a particular type of software application, others write code for many different types of software. Computer programmers usually specialize in one or more computer languages like Java or C++.

Interactive media lets the user interact with the software by entering information and making choices that determine what the software will do next. Interactive media includes computer games, digital communication, computer-based training programs and interactive Internet applications. Like computer programmers, interactive media developers use programming languages or code to develop these products. Game designers may also use elements of graphic design, digital sound and video production .

Skills:
Both computer programmers and interactive media developers should be innovative, methodical and possess good communication skills. They should also be able to learn quickly and be prepared to keep on top of new developments. Computer languages evolve rapidly and programmers must be continually learning to keep their skills up-to-date. Numerical ability is required to understand programming languages and to write, modify, integrate and test software code. Creativity and design skills may be an asset for interactive media designers.

Employment Requirements:
Usually either a bachelor's degree in computer science or another discipline with a significant programming component is required, or completion of a two- or three-year college program in computer science.

Specialization in programming for engineering and scientific applications requires specific post-secondary study or experience.

Other Considerations:
Rapid changes in computer technology mean that people in this field should be prepared to keep abreast of new developments in computer hardware, software and interactive media.

Work Prospects:
Computer programmers and interactive media developers are employed in computer software development firms, information technology consulting firms and information technology units throughout the private and public sectors. A competitive business climate and increasing administrative and information requirements in government, education and health care will ensure a steady demand for programmers. The anticipated expansion of the information technology industry in the coming years is expected to fuel employment growth for computer programmers and interactive media designers.

The average age of professionals in this occupational group is approximately 34 years and retirements are not expected to contribute significantly to job openings.

Labour Market Information: